Looking to maximize your holiday budget this year? Shop smart and save on tax! With the Canada tax relief 2024, you can enjoy shopping at Best Buy Canada while saving on Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on eligible products. Running until February 15th, 2025 only, the GST/HST break lets you enjoy tax discounts on everyday essentials and gifts. So whether you’re shopping online or in-store, now is the time get last minute presents for your loved ones or treat yourself to something special.
Read on to learn more about the federal GST/HST tax break in your province. Plus, shop easily with our wide selection of tax-exempt products we’ve rounded up—so you won’t have to do the legwork.
What you need to know about the GST/HST holiday tax break
Who is eligible?
All Canadians are eligible for the GST/HST holiday. Shoppers like you who reside in Canada can enjoy the tax savings as part of the federal tax relief program in your province. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, this program is designed to help every Canadian customer stretch their holiday budget further, by eliminating the tax charged on essential goods and holiday items.
What items are covered?
The holiday tax relief covers many essential goods from a number of grocery items and beverages, to restaurant dining and printed books. In addition, you can also shop GST/HST-free for other products that make the perfect holiday gifts for kids (and the kids at heart):
- Children’s clothing and footwear: Apparel and shoes designed for children such as baby garments and footwear up to specific sizes are eligible.
- Children’s diapers: These also include inserts, liners, training pants, and rubber pants intended for infants and young children.
- Children’s car seats: Car restraint systems and booster seats that meet Canadian safety standards are part of the tax-exempt items.
- Children’s toys: No tax charged on toys designed for children under 14, like board games, dolls, plush toys, and construction sets
- Jigsaw puzzles: All puzzles suitable for all ages qualify.
- Video game consoles, controllers, and physical video games: Save tax on gaming systems and accessories, along with physical copies of video games.
- Christmas and similar decorative trees: Both natural and artificial Christmas trees, as well as other decorative trees for holidays, qualify.
What items do not qualify?
The GST/HST tax relief does not apply to:
- Baby/child travel systems, which include a stroller, carrier, and car seat, all sold as a single unit
- Toy collectibles not meant for play or learning, such as hockey cards or collectible dolls
- Toys, board games, and model sets designed for individuals aged 14 and older
- Gaming-related digital downloads, subscriptions, and gift cards
- Digital codes in boxed games or online-only games
- Gaming accessories like chairs, headsets, charging equipment, and controller attachments
- Christmas tree decorations and other holiday décor or supplies
- eBooks, eReaders, or eBook gift cards
- Environmental handling fees
- Shipping costs
Visit the Government of Canada website for detailed information on what’s included and excluded in GST/HST break.
Shop at Best Buy Canada and enjoy holiday tax savings
Take advantage of the holiday tax break while shopping at Best Buy and save GST/HST on a wide variety of items, from video game consoles, children’s toys and clothing to board games.
Gaming
Video game consoles
Shop now to save on the latest gaming systems. From PlayStation 5 to Nintendo Switch OLED, Xbox Series S, and Meta Quest 3, video game consoles primarily designed for playing video games are GST/HST exempt.
Controllers
Enhance your gameplay with new controllers. Whether you’re looking for a new gamepad, racing wheel, or flight stick, enjoy holiday tax savings on video game controllers for qualifying video game consoles.
Physical video games
Now’s the perfect time to expand your game library. We have a wide range of titles from your classic favourites to the latest games.
Downloadable or online-only games are not included in the rebate.
Retro game consoles
From Pac-man- to Mortal Combat-themed machine, relive the golden era of arcade games with our selection of retro game consoles.
Baby essentials and kids’ toys
Baby car seats and booster seats
Ensure your little one’s safety and comfort with top-rated car seats and booster seats. We have a wide assortment to suit your needs. Enjoy tax savings on products that meet the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
GST/HST break excludes travel systems, which are a combination of stroller, carrier and car seat sold as a single package.
Baby clothing
Save tax on stylish and comfortable kids’ wear. Find cozy baby swaddles, hats, mittens, blankets, swimwears, and more.
GST/HST savings excludes specialized children’s clothing and footwear designed exclusively for sports or recreational activities.
Children’s toys
Make playtime magical with our fantastic selection of children’s toys. From educational games to fun playsets, toys intended for kids under 14 years old qualify for the holiday tax relief.
The following toys are excluded: (1) collectibles that are not intended for play or learning, such as hockey cards or collectible dolls and (2) toys and model sets that are marketed for adults.
LEGO and building blocks
Ignite kids’ imagination with LEGO and other building blocks. Inspiring young builders and creatives, they let kids construct their dream worlds, with amazing designs inspired by their favourite shows and movies to amazing super cars.
The following toys are excluded: (1) collectibles that are not intended for play or learning, such as hockey cards or collectible dolls and (2) toys and model sets that are marketed for adults.
Game-night favourites
Puzzles
Up for a nice challenge? Puzzles are a great way to exercise your brain while having fun with friends and family. Jigsaw puzzles for all ages enjoy GST/HST exemption.
Board games
Bring everyone together with a fantastic selection of board games. From strategy to cooperative play, there’s a board game for all types of adventure.
Card games
Enjoy a variety of card games that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you like the timeless classic or want to explore novel options, add fun to every game night with our wide assortment.
Christmas trees
Give your home a festive touch with a beautiful new Christmas tree. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a modern style, deck the halls and spread the holiday cheer with this perfect centrepiece.
How to claim the GST/HST break at Best Buy
When you purchase eligible items during the specified time frame, the GST/HST will be automatically deducted at checkout. So you won’t have to do anything. Your Order Summary and receipt will clearly display the GST/HST charges for any Environmental Handling Fees, shipping costs, or ineligible items.
Read more information on shopping GST/HST-exempt products at Best Buy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use this tax break on online purchases?
Yes, the GST/HST tax break applies to online purchases made within the eligible period, from December 14th, 2024 to February 15th, 2025.
2. Are there spending limits for eligibility?
No specific spending limits apply. Whether you’re buying a single item or multiple products, you’ll benefit from the tax exemption on all eligible purchases.
3. How does this affect my tax return?
The GST/HST holiday tax break is applied at the point of sale, meaning you won’t need to account for it separately on your tax return.
4. Why is GST/HST still charged on my order?
The GST/HST tax break applies only to eligible items. Environmental Handling Fees and shipping charges are still subject to GST/HST, when purchasing an item that qualifies for the tax break.
Additionally, if your order includes items that do not qualify for the tax break, those items will be taxed at the standard rate.
5. Can I price match for the tax break if I purchased an item before December 14th?
For products sold by Best Buy: Our Low Price Guarantee applies to price before tax, so we cannot process a price match for the GST/HST tax break amount.
However, if you bought a qualifying item between November 1st and December 13th, 2024, and it is eligible for return under our extended and standard return policies, you can return and repurchase it up until January 12th, 2025. Upon repurchase, the GST/HST tax break will automatically apply.
To return and repurchase an eligible product, you will need to:
- Visit any Best Buy store
- Have the original receipt with you
- Bring the product you wish to return and repurchase
For products sold by Marketplace sellers:
The tax break applies only to purchases made during the eligible period. Items purchased from Marketplace sellers before December 14th do not qualify.
If you choose to return and repurchase to take advantage of the tax break, note that Marketplace returns cannot be processed at a Best Buy store and customers must cover the cost of shipping the item back to the seller. Additionally, repurchased items will be sold at the current price, not the original purchase price.
For more details, visit the Returning a Marketplace product page.
3. Does the tax break apply to pre-orders?
Yes, but only if the item is shipped on or before February 15th, 2025.
- If shipped on or before February 15th: The tax break will apply automatically, and GST/HST will not be charged on eligible items.
- If shipped after February 15th: Since charges are applied at the time of shipping, pre-orders shipped after this date will not qualify and will be taxed at the regular rate.
4. Does the tax break apply to bundles or packages?
The tax break will apply to eligible items within a bundle or package. Any non-qualifying items will still be taxed regularly.
5. Does the tax break apply to clearance, open box, and refurbished products?
Yes, as long as the item qualifies for the tax break and is purchased and shipped within the eligible time frame, the GST/HST will automatically be deducted.
6. I purchased a qualifying item but didn’t get the tax break. What should I do?
While Best Buy have made efforts to ensure all eligible items receive the tax break, errors may occur in a few cases.
If you were charged GST/HST on a qualifying item purchased during the eligible period, you can file a claim for reimbursement directly with the Government of Canada. Visit the General Application for GST/HST Rebates page to submit your claim.
The best time to shop and save
The Canada GST/HST holiday is the perfect chance to shop and save on a wide variety of products at Best Buy Canada. With the holidays in full swing, there’s no better time to stock up on gifts, children’s essentials, gaming gear, and other items that make the season merry. Don’t miss out on this limited-time opportunity to stretch your holiday budget and check off everything on your shopping list. Visit Best Buy Canada to explore our selection GST/HST-exempt products and start saving today!
Want to explore more savings? Best Buy Canada offers the best deals regularly. Visit our Top Deals page to explore huge savings on your favourite tech.
Table of Contents
- What you need to know about the GST/HST holiday tax break
- Shop at Best Buy Canada and enjoy holiday tax savings
- How to claim the GST/HST break at Best Buy
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I use this tax break on online purchases?
- 2. Are there spending limits for eligibility?
- 3. How does this affect my tax return?
- 4. Why is GST/HST still charged on my order?
- 5. Can I price match for the tax break if I purchased an item before December 14th?
- 3. Does the tax break apply to pre-orders?
- 4. Does the tax break apply to bundles or packages?
- 5. Does the tax break apply to clearance, open box, and refurbished products?
- 6. I purchased a qualifying item but didn’t get the tax break. What should I do?
- The best time to shop and save